8 Day Cuckoo Clock

Although its name evokes a mountainous region in Germany, antique Black Forest–style furniture originated in Switzerland. In Brienz, during the early 19th century, wood-carver Christian Fischer recognized the market for tourist souvenirs and helped make the village into a wood-carving destination. The Brienz Woodcarving School was founded in 1884 and had its own small zoo for studying the anatomy of animals, depictions of which are a defining aspect of the style, also known as Brienzerware.

Whimsical sculptures, often depicting bears and other Alpine animals like stags, owls, deer and boars, characterize the work produced in the area. Along with folk art and decorative objects, Black Forest furniture included benches held aloft by bears, umbrella stands carved with acorns and clock cases adorned with scrolling oak leaves. While most wood-carvers adhered to a similar realism in their designs and woods like linden, maple and walnut, their aesthetics varied.

The F. Peter Trauffer family was known for their hand-carved bear sculptures that saw the furry mammals playing instruments, smoking pipes and engaging in all sorts of human activities. They were sometimes detailed with glass eyes and integrated into functional pieces of furniture, including chair backs and bench legs, which generations of cabinetmakers created from the 1880s to the 1950s. Walter Mader and his son Heinrich frequently carved Saint Bernard sculptures that they incorporated into furniture.

As the Black Forest furniture style spread around the world through exhibitions at world’s fairs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the rusticity of these pieces resonated at a time of increasing urbanization, inspiring other artisans.

Find a collection of antique Black Forest cabinets, bedroom furniture, seating and other items on 1stDibs.

Antique, new and vintage wall clocks have become available over the years in a diverse range of materials, such as wood, metal and glass, as well as styles from mid-century modern to Industrial.

Wall clocks have been designed by acclaimed creators and manufacturers such as Howard Miller Clock Company, Junghans Uhren GmbH, Pragotron and more. The Ball clock and Sunflower clock, which were created by designer Irving Harper in George Nelson’s studio during the mid-century era, are known to design enthusiasts and have become highly collectible over the years.

Whether you want an antique timepiece or one that will match a modern motif, you are sure to find one to suit any home or office decor.

The wall clocks of today have come a long way from the mechanical timepieces that originated in the 14th century. One of the most famous clocks from this era was made by Italian astronomer and physician Giovanni de’ Dondi and took approximately 16 years to complete. By the 17th century, wall clocks were popular luxury objects for the home.

Wall clock choices are not limited to just something that keeps time. A 19th-century bronze cartel clock and barometer set is an elegant addition to a foyer, while a vintage world-map clock allows you to see the time in several locations at once. Cleverly designed clocks have been created for all manner of tastes over the years.

On 1stDibs, you will find wall clocks and other types of antique and vintage clocks from various time periods, from Louis XV to Art Deco, and from all over the world, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Bring a touch of class and personality into your living room or dining room with a unique timepiece.